Nome, Alaska, 1900. The end of the earth, where gold lies waiting on the beaches, and people race to the lawless town to stake a claim. Young Murphy, a sled dog cruelly abused by Carlick his owner, arrives in Nome bloody and battered with his team. There, he escapes to the streets and meets eleven-year-old Sally and her mother who’ve come north to build a new life together.  Needing a protector in that dangerous town, the two take Murphy in. But Carlick hasn’t given up searching for his dog. And when Sally, who falls in love with Nome and the wilderness, decides to run off and hunt for gold on her own, it’s Murphy who must live up to his role of protector.

Murphy tells this solid story, filled with adventure, history, a feisty outdoor-loving girl, and one very brave dog.  The short chapters and artwork, as well as the happy ending make this a good choice for younger readers.  (Booktalk by the NH Great Stone Face Committee)